KitchenAid mixers demand so strong Whirlpool spends $40 million to increase production

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Plant expansion will add 400 new jobs

The demand for kitchen appliances is booming and one of the most popular brands is KitchenAid by Whirlpool. Whirlpool announced this week that the demand for its KitchenAid line is so strong that it is making a significant investment in production for the brand.

Whirlpool will spend $40 million to double the size of the small appliance manufacturing operations in Greenville, OH and add 400 jobs. The 400 new jobs are expected to be in place by 2018. Once the expansion is complete, the factory will have about 1400 workers.

Executives at the firm say that the thing in the most demand is the KitchenAid stand mixer. The growth is also attributed to the products in the brand being launched in other markets.

"This expansion project recognizes the outstanding skills of our Greenville employees, as well as strong partnership and support from the state of Ohio, the city of Greenville and Darke County," said Jeff Fettig, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. "With several global options for this project, our decision to expand our Greenville, Ohio facility is another way Whirlpool continues to demonstrate our commitment to American manufacturing. As the KitchenAid brand continues to expand its small appliance portfolio globally, this major expansion will ensure Greenville remains the manufacturing hub of our small appliance business."

The plant currently has 1000 workers producing about 16000 units per day. KitchenAid celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. The expansion project will kick off after approval of state and local assistance.